Luton climbed up to seventh in the League One table after a vital 2-1 win over Northampton Town on Wednesday evening.
The Hatters fell behind in the first half to Will Hoskins’ goal, but Liam Walsh drilled them level just before the break and then Kal Naismith’s stunning free kick won it with five minutes to go. To find out how the Town players rated on the night, see below.
1. Josh Keeley: 7
Off his line well early on to narrow the angle when Hoskins escaped Luton's defence, able to make an important stop with his body to deny the forward. Gathered Eaves’ volley underneath the bar when the striker found space, but was then slightly hesitant on the half hour as Hoskins got clear once more, the Cobbler attacker able to lob home the opener. From there, he was barely troubled afterwards, seeing Fornah drag wide at the far post in the second period, although was fortunate when ex-Hatter McGeehan's attempt deflected inches wide of the target, as there was no way he was getting there. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
2. Nigel Lonwijk: 6.5
Back into the side after being on the bench for the last two matches, replacing Jones who missed out due to a tight hamstring. Moved to the orthodox right back role with Luton changing their defensive set-up for the contest, but it didn't quite work out in a stodgy first half performance that saw Luton unable to really get going at all. After the break, and with Morris coming on to play in front of him, he looked far more at home, keeping threats on his side down to the bare minimum. Late header from Walsh's corner was straight at Burge, as he cleared his lines effectively in stoppage time. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
3. Mads Andersen: 6
Another who didn't quite look to have his bearings when Luton began with a back four, as Hoskins got away from him early on to be denied by the onrushing Keeley. Opted to then leave the attacker and try and win a long ball up to Eaves, despite Naismith patrolling the forward, which saw his man left unmarked to lob home the opener. Showed some good and surprising pace to win the ball back in the final third, and earn a free kick, while in the second period, he, like the rest of the Hatters, were far more comfortable. Came to the fore aerially once Town had grabbed the lead, as he still topped the charts for defensive contributions, making 13 clearances, 12 of them with his head. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons
4. Kal Naismith (STAR MAN): 8
With Luton struggling to get going after the high of winning the Vertu Trophy, the skipper kept his own levels high, as with his spirits boosted by his own upturn in form, was showing the confidence from his early spells at Luton, stepping out of defence to bring the ball forward. Unable to prevent Eaves flicking on for Northampton's opener, but Hoskins should have been flagged offside, as his passing was often spot on for the majority, with some excellent diagonals to the right flank. Won almost of his duels while with five minutes to go, produced one the moments of the season, arrowing a magnificent 30-yard free kick into the net to spark some scenes of wild celebration and sheer joy at Kenilworth Road. Photo: Andy Fitzsimons